Group Behaviour - Intergroup Dynamics and Behaviour

Intergroup Dynamics and Behaviour

Intergroup behaviour, or the way groups interact with other groups, is best examined in terms of the frequency and interaction type the groups engage in. Thomas (1976) elaborated on this concept by noting the nature of intergroup interactions depends largely on the degree to which groups must interact in order to achieve their goals, and the degree of compatibility between the goals of different groups.

• Accommodation interaction is based on groups having similar goals and taking part in minimal to moderate mutual concession and cooperation to achieve them.
• Avoidance interaction is found between groups where there are different or conflicting goals and even minimal collaboration is not warranted. Both of these interactions are viewed as having no to low impact on successfully achieving each group’s goals.
• Collaboration interaction is necessary when the goals of two groups are largely compatible and partnership is required for successful goal accomplishment.
• Competition interaction usually occurs when two groups must interact to meet specific goals that are vastly incompatible.
• Compromise interaction occurs when two groups have a moderate need to interact to meet specific goals which are moderately compatible. In this type of interaction, the two groups may work together on a semi-regular basis to ensure they are on track to meet the relevant aspects of their overlapping goals.
• Intergroup behaviour is influenced by factors beyond interaction types. Examples of these include Interdependence, Organizational Culture, Past History, and Organizational Social Networks.
• Interdependence is the degree to which group depend on each other and is determined by the type of group tasks (i.e., simple versus complex), organization structure, and the organizational authority system). Interdependence may occur in one of three common forms:
  • Pooled interdependence: The combined efforts of largely separate groups positively contribute to the organization.
  • Sequential interdependence: The effort or output of one group is used as the input for another group.
  • Reciprocal interdependence: A series of mutual exchanges between groups, requiring a high degree of continuous interactions.
• Organizational culture, its shared norms, values, and power structure, will often dictate the frequency and degree to which intergroup interactions and collaborations occur.
• Past history with intergroup relationships also impact interdependence behaviour. The influence of this factor is directly connected to the past interaction experience between groups. Whether the interaction was positive or negative, new group members may be influenced in the direction of the group’s previous experience.
• Social networks in organizations are another vital factor when considering intergroup behaviour. Cordial individual group member interaction is believed to greatly impact the quality of intergroup relationships.